With winter comes the return of the eagle to the Stillaguamish River. To celebrate these special winter residents, Arlington hosts an annual Eagle Festival. The eagles return to feed on salmon that have come to spawn in the clean river gravel. The eagle also preys on the snow geese that are feeding in the agricultural fields in the floodplain.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, February 1, 2024

9am-5pm: Eagle Fest Chainsaw Carving Show

20-award winning chainsaw carvers from the Northwest and beyond will carve wooden eagles and other art for the festival. Come see the artists in action!

Location: Legion Park, 114 N. Olympic Avenue

Friday, February 2, 2024

9am-5pm: Eagle Fest Chainsaw Carving Show

20-award winning chainsaw carvers from the Northwest and beyond will carve wooden eagles and other art for the festival. Come see the artists in action!

Location: Legion Park, 114 N. Olympic Avenue

10:00am: Guided Bird viewing at Big Ditch

Join Jack Stephens from Pilchuck Audubon Society to learn about the birds at Big Ditch. Possible sightings include Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Snow Geese, and  wintering songbirds and waterfowl.  Meet at 10am Friday and Saturday, in the parking lot, at WA Fish and Wildlife Water Access Area. Exit 215, go west on 300th St. to Pioneer Highway to Old Pacific Highway (5.6 miles). Located northwest of Stanwood near Lake Ketchum.

10:30am: Paddle Rafting on the Stillaguamish River  

North Fork Stilly Valley residents Jerry and Lori Michalec invite you on an 5-mile raft journey from Trafton to Haller Park. Expect bald eagle sightings, views of wildlife, and a paddling workout on this 3-hour excursion. Enjoy the serene beauty, light mood elevation, mochas and other distinct pleasures of river travel with North Cascades River Expeditions. Trip includes a midway lunch stop and mocha. Make reservations now for this $80 day trip at 1-800-634-8433. Call to learn more.

Location: Meet at Haller Park 1100 West Avenue

Saturday, February 3, 2024

9am-5pm: Eagle Fest Chainsaw Carving Show

20-award winning chainsaw carvers from the Northwest and beyond will carve wooden eagles and other art for the festival. Come see the artists in action!

Location: Legion Park, 114 N. Olympic Avenue

10:00am: Guided Bird viewing at Big Ditch

Join Jack Stephens from Pilchuck Audubon Society to learn about the birds at Big Ditch. Possible sightings include Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Snow Geese, and  wintering songbirds and waterfowl.  Meet at 10am Friday and Saturday, in the parking lot, at WA Fish and Wildlife Water Access Area. Exit 215, go west on 300th St. to Pioneer Highway to Old Pacific Highway (5.6 miles). Located northwest of Stanwood near Lake Ketchum.

10:00am-2:00pm: Eagle Fest Vendor Fair

Several of our local market vendors will be outdoors at Legion Park

Located at 114 N Olympic Ave. at the Centennial Trail.

10am-3pm: Sky Valley Tractor Display

The Sky Valley Tractor Club displays antique tractors.

Location: City Hall parking lot, 238 N Olympic Ave.

10am –2pm: Eagle Quest Arlington Adventure

Explore downtown Arlington, while getting your "passport" stamped.  Learn about the birds, animals and fish that live in our environment, and collect a prize at the end of the quest. Cost to participate $8 per child. Start your Quest at the Visitors Information Center 104 N. Olympic, Arlington.

10am-3pm: Children's Hands-On Art Activity with Arlington Arts Council

Children will enjoy crafting and creating.  Free!

Located in the City Council Chambers, behind City Hall, at 238 N Olympic Ave.

10am-3pm: Visit with Snohomish County Parks Rangers

Snohomish County Park Rangers will have information available at their booth.

Located in the City Council Chambers, behind City Hall, at 238 N Olympic Ave

10am-3pm: Marysville Rock & Gem Club Exhibit

Check out rocks and gems from the Stillaguamish Valley and talk to the experts who will show their beautiful displays.

Located in the City Council Chambers, behind City Hall, at 238 N Olympic Ave

10am-3pm: Wagon Rides

Free wagon rides on the Andrew's Hay Wagon, sponsored by City of Arlington.

Ride pickup is at City Hall, 238 N Olympic Avenue.

10am-4pm: Nature Art Show

Enjoy natural depictions of the beautiful Pacific Northwest flora and fauna as created by local artists. View the past 14 years of winning photographs of eagles and this year’s entries. Participate in a silent auction and raffle.

Location: Olympic Theater & Café,107 N. Olympic Ave.

10:30am: Paddle Rafting on the Stillaguamish River  

North Fork Stilly Valley residents Jerry and Lori Michalec invite you on an 5-mile raft journey from Trafton to Haller Park. Expect bald eagle sightings, views of wildlife, and a paddling workout on this 3-hour excursion. Enjoy the serene beauty, light mood elevation, mochas and other distinct pleasures of river travel with North Cascades River Expeditions. Trip includes a midway lunch stop and mocha. Make reservations now for this $80 day trip at 1-800-634-8433. Call to learn more.

Location: Meet at Haller Park 1100 West Avenue

11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m: The Reptile Lady Show

Experience reptiles up close with this wild, educational experience. The Reptile Lady's (April's) show is formatted for children, with audience participation and hands-on time at the end.

Location: Olympic Theater, 111 N Olympic Ave.

2:30pm: Movie at Olympic Theater

Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar
1967 film takes place in the WA Cascade Mountains and showcases logging of the past.  Charlie was an abandoned cub adopted by Jess Bradley.  Watch as Charlie experiences adventures with a bear cub and a dog named Chainsaw at the logging camp where he grows up.  This is an Arlington fan favorite movie.

Fest Date: February 2 & 3, 2024

Location: Various Locations in Arlington, WA

Click here for more information.